Renshaw recalled for second Bangladesh Test as Weatherald axed
Synopsis
Australia have axed opener Jake Weatherald after just one Test — despite handing him a national contract in April — and turned to Matthew Renshaw, who hasn't played Test cricket in over three years, to steady a top order that collapsed in a shocking nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh. With Labuschagne also on notice, Saturday's Mackay Test is shaping up as a selection reckoning as much as a cricket match.
Key Takeaways
Jake Weatherald has been dropped after scoring 23 and 0 in the Darwin Test , with a career average of 20.36 across 12 innings.
Matthew Renshaw , 30 , is recalled for the second Test in Mackay — his first Test appearance in more than three years .
Australia suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test and must win in Mackay to square the series.
Marnus Labuschagne remains in the squad but is under pressure after scoring just 1 and 31 in Darwin.
Head coach Andrew McDonald said Labuschagne needs big runs to secure his Test future.
The second Test begins at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay , on Saturday, 20 August .
Matthew Renshaw has been named as Australia's replacement opener for the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, starting Saturday, after selectors dropped Jake Weatherald following a dismal nine-wicket defeat in the series opener at Darwin. The single change to the 13-man squad sets up a high-stakes must-win encounter at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, with Australia needing victory to avoid losing a home Test series for the first time in four years.
Why Weatherald Was Dropped
Weatherald managed scores of 23 and 0 in the Darwin Test, leaving his career average across 12 innings at a modest 20.36. His axing is particularly striking given that selectors had awarded him a national contract as recently as April, on the back of several strong opening partnerships with Travis Head during the 4-1 Ashes series win. He has now been discarded after just one Test.
Renshaw's Path Back to the Test Side
If selected, Renshaw's appearance in Mackay would be his first at Test level in more than three years. The 30-year-old last wore the whites in Delhi in 2023, when he came on as a concussion substitute for regular opener David Warner against India. Since then, he has featured for Australia in ODI and T20I cricket, and had been training with an expanded squad of 19 players in Brisbane in the weeks before the Darwin defeat, following impressive white-ball form.
Labuschagne Under Pressure at No. 3
Marnus Labuschagne remains in the squad but is far from safe, having contributed just 1 and 31 in the first Test. Head coach Andrew McDonald stated plainly after the Darwin loss that Labuschagne needed big runs to secure his future in the side. The possibility of a second change to the top order — beyond Weatherald's replacement — has not been ruled out, with Josh Inglis also available as an alternative opener.
Squad Composition and What to Watch
Scott Boland and Inglis retain their places as reserve bowler and backup keeper-batter respectively, and both remain in contention for a recall. Renshaw is considered the frontrunner to open alongside Head, though the final XI will depend on pitch conditions and team management's read of the surface at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Australia's full squad for the second Test is: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
With the series level at 1-0 in Bangladesh's favour, Saturday's Test in Mackay represents Australia's final chance to salvage the two-match rubber — and, for several players, their immediate Test futures.
Point of View
But pushing him out risks unsettling a middle order already under scrutiny. The broader picture is one of structural fragility at the top of Australia's batting order, exposed by a Bangladesh side that has no business winning Tests on Australian soil by nine wickets. If Renshaw and Labuschagne both fail in Mackay, the selectors face an uncomfortable rebuild heading into a fuller Test schedule.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jake Weatherald dropped from Australia's Test squad?
Weatherald was dropped after scoring just 23 and 0 in the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, leaving his career average at 20.36 across 12 innings. Selectors opted to recall Matthew Renshaw ahead of the must-win second Test in Mackay.
When did Matthew Renshaw last play Test cricket?
Renshaw last played a Test in Delhi in 2023, when he came on as a concussion substitute for David Warner against India. The Mackay Test would be his first Test appearance in more than three years.
What is at stake for Australia in the Mackay Test?
Australia trail the two-match series 1-0 after a nine-wicket loss in Darwin and must win the second Test in Mackay to square the series. A defeat or draw would hand Bangladesh their first-ever series win on Australian soil.
Is Marnus Labuschagne at risk of being dropped?
Yes. Labuschagne scored just 1 and 31 in the Darwin Test, and head coach Andrew McDonald publicly stated he needs big runs to secure his future. Australia could make a second change to their top order if conditions warrant it.
Who are the other options for Australia's opening slot in Mackay?
Josh Inglis, the backup keeper-batter who remains in the 13-man squad, is the other option available to open alongside Travis Head, though Renshaw is considered the frontrunner for the role.
